Say What?
Occasionally, members of the Our Generation Advisory Board pose a question to students at their schools. The latest question was:
Does society put too much pressure on teenagers?
“Society has unrealistic ideas concerning teens. In the movies and magazines our lives are portrayed as big social parties. Everyone dates, everyone has a boyfriend/girlfriend, and a date to the next dance. The guys are sports stars and girls are all pretty. The reality is that most teens have enough trouble just getting through a day of school, sports and maybe a job. To try to live up to society’s glorified stereotype of a teenager is a joke, but some us try and are disappointed when we can’t.”
Melissa Berube,
University junior
“Yes, because adults have an image of teens, but teens are their own individuals, and they can’t be what everyone wants them to (be).”
Mary Adolfson,
Ferris sophomore
“I think most parents expect too much from their kids and that’s why so many are dysfunctional. I’m lucky enough to have a mother who understands where I’m coming from and isn’t worried about how the community views her because of my actions.”
Renee Dennison,
Davenport sophomore
“There is a lot of pressure on teens today. I think that pressure is a positive force of motivation. We are so capable and should be expected to accomplish great things. If this pressure is channeled to encourage positive achievements, it is beneficial to us. As long as the pressure is at healthy levels, I feel it is a good thing. Unfortunately, the stress of extremely high expectations is sometimes more than high school students can effectively handle. It is all a matter of balance.”
Heather Rands,
University junior